In a bold move that bridges the worlds of hip hop and academia, Lupe Fiasco has joined Johns Hopkins University as a distinguished visiting professor.
Known for his progressive lyrics and innovative approach to music, Lupe Fiasco has added another prestigious title to his resume. He’s now a part of the faculty at the renowned Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University. This news was unveiled via Lupe’s Instagram, where he showcased a picture of himself proudly sporting Johns Hopkins gear.
Already making waves in the academic world with previous appointments at MIT and a fellowship at Yale, Lupe’s new position signifies a further commitment to integrating hip hop into higher education. He expressed excitement about teaching a rap course as part of the innovative new four-year hip hop degree program, highlighting his passion for advancing the study and practice of rap music.
Lupe referenced his upcoming responsibilities and maintained that he would continue his teaching roles at MIT and his endeavors at Yale. His appointment has sparked enthusiasm across the hip hop community, with notable figures such as Freeway, Robert Glasper, Bun B, and Twista commenting their support on social media.
2024 was a whirlwind year for Lupe. He released his ninth studio album, ‘Samurai,’ and reaffirmed his status as a musical experimenter. In an interview, Lupe shared plans to revive his side project, Child Rebel Soldier, initially formed with Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, hinting at new music grounded in earlier themes of the group.
He even surprised fans by releasing ‘Shrink,’ a freestyle on Radiohead’s ‘Optimistic.’ However, this venture was short-lived due to a cease-and-desist order from Radiohead, which Lupe humorously recounted on ‘Sway in the Morning.’
Despite challenges, Lupe’s humor and authenticity remain intact. Reflecting on the Child Rebel Soldier project, he joked about the impracticalities that came with working alongside his famous collaborators. From caviar to high fashion, he painted a colorful picture of the obstacles that caused the supergroup to stall.
As Lupe Fiasco continues to innovate within both music and academia, his role at Johns Hopkins is a testament to his dedication and influence. Fans and students alike are eager to see how his insights will shape the future of hip hop education.
